France–Africa: A Relationship in Transformation
France’s relationship with Africa is undergoing its most significant transformation since decolonization. The 2023–2025 period saw military withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, while economic and cultural ties are being reshaped around trade, technology, and mutual investment.
Economic Relationship
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| French companies in Africa | 1,100+ |
| Jobs supported | 470,000+ |
| French FDI stock in Africa | €60B+ |
| Bilateral trade | €72B/year |
| AFD development finance | €12.4B committed (2023) |
| African students in France | 100,000+ |
New Model: Partnership Over Paternalism
President Macron’s “New Africa Policy” emphasizes: private sector investment over aid dependency, African-owned development through AfDB partnerships, youth and diaspora engagement (Choose Africa initiative: €3.5B for African entrepreneurship), and cultural exchange (restitution of cultural artefacts, expanded scholarships).
Key Country Relationships
| Country | Relationship | Key Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | Strategic partner, largest trade partner in Africa | Automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, finance |
| Senegal | Close diplomatic ally, military cooperation | Infrastructure, education, digital economy |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Largest French business presence in West Africa | Agribusiness, telecoms, banking, energy |
| Nigeria | Growing commercial relationship, strategic dialogue | Energy (Total), consumer goods, fintech |
| South Africa | Political partner, trade relationship | Mining, luxury goods, tourism, defence |
| Kenya | Expanding economic ties, recent state visits | Infrastructure, agriculture, tech, green energy |
| Angola | Energy partner (TotalEnergies), infrastructure | Oil & gas, railway (Lobito), mining |
Development Finance Architecture
France channels development finance through several institutions. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) committed €12.4 billion in 2023 across 120+ countries, with Africa receiving approximately 50% of total commitments. Proparco, AFD’s private sector arm, invests directly in African companies and infrastructure projects. The Choose Africa initiative has allocated €3.5 billion specifically for African entrepreneurship and SME development. France also contributes significantly to multilateral development banks: the African Development Bank, World Bank IDA, and the European Development Fund.
Cultural Diplomacy
France’s cultural presence in Africa is unmatched by any other non-African nation. The Alliance Française network operates 500+ centres globally, with the densest presence in Africa. 100,000+ African students study in France annually, making France the #1 destination for African higher education outside Africa. France funds the Campus France scholarship programme, the Africa2020 Season cultural initiative, and ongoing restitution of cultural artefacts to countries of origin — a policy initiated by President Macron in 2017 that has reshaped the global debate on cultural heritage.